Manchester United must do without defender Gary Neville in the FA Cup final on Saturday after the defender lost his fight against a ankle injury.
The 32-year-old has struggled with injuries all season and has been missing since hurting his ankle against Bolton two months ago, but it had been hoped he would return in time for the Wembley showpiece with Chelsea.
However, with hope lost the England international has decided to undergo exploratory surgery to determine the exact nature of the problem, which means he will also miss England's forthcoming internationals.
Wes Brown or John O'Shea will fill in for Neville at right-back for the match with the Blues on Saturday.
United have been used to being without Neville in recent matches, but the blow is more severe for England as they are also without Micah Richards, who many see as Neville's replacement, for the must win Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia next month.
Goal.com - Manchester United - Neville Loses FA Cup Final Fight